HD44 - Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI): Current Implementation and Potential Changes


Executive Summary:
HJR 729 from the 2007 Session directed that JLARC conduct a study of Virginia’s preschool program for at-risk four-year-olds, the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI). The study was to examine the implementation and impacts of VPI, as well as the concept of universal preschool, or making the program available to all children.

Multiple methods were used to assess VPI. JLARC staff found that VPI classrooms appear to provide a positive academic and social experience for children. VPI students do well in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten literacy tests. Kindergarten teachers report that the preschool programs for at-risk students in their schools are preparing children very well for kindergarten. A tracking system has recently been developed which should facilitate assessments in the future of longer-term outcomes for VPI graduates.

Virginia’s focus of effort upon at-risk children appears appropriate. Options are considered in the report for potentially expanding VPI to serve more children. One of the options, a proposal made by the Governor, appears unlikely to serve as many additional children by 2012 as has been stated.